Joe Joyce in upbeat mood despite narrow loss in Olympic boxing final
Monday 22 August 2016 14:45, UK
British boxing silver medallist Joe Joyce says the Rio Olympics have been an "amazing experience" despite his contentious defeat in the final.
Already guaranteed to become Team GB's 67th medallist at a record-setting Games, Joyce attempted to add to the gold medal haul when he faced Tony Yoka of France on Sunday night.
And Joyce appeared to be the more aggressive of the duo during the super-heavyweight clash, but two of the judges favoured Yoka's canny counter-attacking and he secured gold on a split decision.
The 30-year-old Joyce was in magnanimous mood when he spoke to Sky Sports News HQ on Monday morning.
"I feel pretty good," he said. "Had a great tournament here in Rio, came away with a silver medal.
"It has just been an amazing experience. I thought I could have got the gold.
"Yoka had a tight guard and I felt that I was penetrating his guard. I think maybe the first and third rounds I won, but I did not get the nod from the judges.
"This was our third fight. I beat him in the first one, at the European Games, he beat me at the Worlds.
"My plan was to avenge that defeat at the Olympics but I fell short unfortunately. Can't complain, I got the silver medal."
Joyce is now set to travel home and he may find himself in the midst of a carnival atmosphere, because he is flying with the gold medal-winning British women's hockey team.
"Hopefully they will put some tunes on and we can have a little party on the way back," he said. "Or maybe we will just be sleeping!"
